Philanthropy Colorado, Colorado Nonprofit Association and Community Resource Center hosted their first join State of the Sector event on Thurs., Jan. 30. Read Philanthropy Colorado’s introduction from the event.
Introductory Remarks:
At our first joint State of the Sector event, Philanthropy Colorado, Colorado Nonprofit Association and Community Resource Center hope to model resilience and collaboration that will sustain our shared commitment to the people and communities of our state.
Gathering our funding and nonprofit organizations jointly is an expression of our mission: “to strengthen Colorado communities by bringing people, information and resources together” towards our vision of an “equitable and sustainable future for Colorado.”
Philanthropy Colorado is a dynamic network of grantmakers committed to strengthening Colorado by driving and supporting innovation, collaboration, equity, and leadership in the philanthropic sector.
Our contribution includes
Building skills and capacity on equitable and best practices, innovative funding models, and impactful grantmaking strategies,
Keeping our members current on issues from mental health and childcare to affordable housing, immigration – and Presidential executive orders
Nurturing the collaboration and collective action of grantmakers and their grantees to more effectively tackle complex community needs
and empowering members to engage in advocacy and policy for sustainable solutions and change
With a commitment to serving both rural and urban areas, Philanthropy Colorado amplifies our impact by championing initiatives that strengthen democracy and the charitable sector.
As nonprofits, we are fortunate for the generosity of Coloradans. Charitable giving in Colorado exceeds $3.4 billion annually, with over $1.4 billion coming from foundations.
Those funds fuel the critical services of you - Colorado nonprofits. In addition to the millions of Coloradans you serve, Jaime will highlight the significant employment by our sector. Those impacts reach throughout the state – such as our Watch Party locations.
For our Loveland Watch Party folks, in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, nonprofits generate 9,000 jobs and $800 million in economic activity.
For folks joining from the Grand Junction Watch Party – shout out to host Western Colorado Community Foundation - and those attending the Durango Watch Party, both in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, it means 37,000 jobs and $3 billion in economic activity.
And here in Denver, Congressional District 1, nonprofits are responsible for 63,000 jobs and $7 billion in economic impact.
Philanthropy Colorado approaches the future with a continued commitment to ensuring grantmaking is centered in community and rooted in authentic partnerships. We will continue to lift up promising practices and models that drive innovation and collaboration across Colorado’s charitable sector. We will sustain our strategic focus on promoting equity in grantmaking and encouraging the use of advocacy and policy engagement as critical tools for change. And we commit to being your essential partner in ensuring a resilient and collaborative future.
(Remarks delivered by Philanthropy Colorado's Director of Advocacy and Engagement, Jan Brennan 1.30.2025)